FRISCO - Mauro Diaz tried to launch in a cross in the 24th minute, but João Moutinho got a hand on it and a free kick was awarded for FC Dallas just outside the box.
As Diaz was ready to take the free kick, Reggie Cannon started to creep up from right back. No LAFC player picked up Cannon, and Diaz found him inside the box. Cannon took a shot that was deflected and bounced up at the six-yard box. Reto Ziegler got his head on it and found the back of the net to score his first MLS goal.
“I’m really pleased with it, but you also need little bit of luck, as you see,” Ziegler said. “But I always believe that the ball can come where I am. I’m really happy for my first goal, but even happier for the three points.”
The goal was FCD's first goal off a set piece this season and gave Dallas a 1-0 lead. After a Roland Lamah goal early in the second half, Ziegler and the rest of the defense was able to hold on to the lead and win 2-1.
This was the first time playing a back-four of Ryan Hollingshead, Ziegler, Matt Hedges and Cannon. Ziegler was very happy with the team’s defensive performance.
“It doesn’t matter who plays,” Ziegler said. “It’s the way we play and the mentality we have.”
